As you probably know, we Christians are in the first week of Lent. Many of us give something up or remember giving something up as children. We give up chocolate or some other treat that we perceive to be a sacrifice in our tiny attempt to symbolize the sacrifice that Christ made for us.
Several years ago my priest at that time made an interesting suggestion to us at the start of Lent. He suggested we not give anything up. Instead he wanted us to take something ON...to commit to doing something extra for those 40 days.
I think this is a much better attitude to take during Lent because it's a better symbol for all that Jesus did for us. He took on our human form and our humanity. He struggled and suffered. He cried at the thought of his own mortality and asked that the "cup" be taken away from him if possible. I think the most important thing he did was carry the burden of his mission and fulfill it in the best way he knew how.
What's great about taking something on rather than giving something up is that it's a much more positive mindset. Rather than thinking about how you're depriving yourself you're thinking more about how you can give of yourself. How you can make more time for your faith and for God.
So this Lent, rather than giving something up, consider taking something on. My bishop has taken on the burden of posting to his blog every single day of Lent. I certainly know what a burden that is!
One year I started reading the Bible every single day during Lent. When Lent was over I kept it up, and I've read through the Bible several times now. This year I'm reading from my prayer book at least three times a day, every day.
What can you do to have a holy, thoughtful Lent?
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